The Quick Course Diagnosis (QCD)

An outside facilitator guides a class or sample of students through two
activities: an individual satisfaction rating and a small group brainstorming
session.

To assure anonymity and encourage honest and candid responses, instructors
are encouraged to use a facilitator/consultant who is not connected to the
course or program being evaluated. (Contact Tracy Price, CTE Faculty Director to arrange
a QCD.)

A QCD is usually administered during the last 20 to 30 minutes of a course.

Step-By-Step Procedure

The consultant is introduced as someone who is there to gather information
regarding their satisfaction and what they perceive as the strengths and weaknesses
of the course (not as someone who is there to evaluate the instructor.) After
introducing the consultant, the instructor leaves the room.

To put the students at ease and assure anonymity and confidentiality. The
consultant assures the students that

the instructor has requested the QCD,

participation is voluntary,

and the results are confidential between the instructor and the
consultant.

Index cards are distributed to all students and they are asked to write a
word or a phrase that describes the course. Based on their word or phrase, they are
asked to rate their satisfaction with the course on a scale of 1 to 5. The consultant
then collects these from the students.

After the index card activity, the students work in groups of 4 or 5 and brainstorm
the strengths and weaknesses of the course or program. This works best by having the
questions typed and giving each group one piece of paper to record their responses.
The members of the group take turns listing strengths and weaknesses. After all group
members have had a chance to list the strengths and weaknesses, they are asked as a group
to rank order the top three strengths and the three most troublesome weaknesses.

If time permits, the top strengths and weaknesses can be listed on the board and
the entire class can come to consensus on the top three strengths and weaknesses.

The consultant thanks the students for participating and assures them that the
instructor will hear their feedback.

The consultant compiles the results and meets with the instructor within 24 to 48
hours to review the feedback and brainstorm possible solutions or next steps.

The Instructor's Follow Up Response to the Students

It is essential that the instructor responds to the students' feedback as soon as
possible and includes the following:

Thanks them for their feedback. This reinforces an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Shares with the students the feedback that stood out and lets them know what action
will be taken and why.